Just to embarrass her later

May 2012

Olivia made up her own hairdo.  As she is obsessed with Mulan and China, this design might not be surprising as surprising.  Wore it to school.  I like your moxie, kid.

April 2012: Cherub Choir

Olivia absolutely loved singing in Cherub Choir at Zion this Spring.  Six rehearsals and the performance Sunday, May 20. 
She loved it so much that we had a little problem on the third rehearsal.  When Daddy was late picking her up and got her there 10 minutes late, after the kids had starting singing.
She found herself stuck in an emotional loop:  wanting desperately to go in and sing with Ms. Christy and her peers and the bigger kids BUT also embarrassed that she was late and coming in after they had started; maybe too much attention from all these people right on her, the shame of being late, the fear of disapproval for missing part of the practice and not knowing the song as well as the other kids.  I have the idea that these were some of the things running through her head because she was yelling or saying or crying or whispering them on my lap in the hallway, behind a closed door near the choir room, downstairs in the back of the church, then finally in the car driving away.  Because she could never quite pull it together enough to stop crying and enter the room and go into her seat and participate.  It was very troubling that night, and thanks to Nana and Mommy and more responsibility from Daddy, we got her to all the following practices on time or more than on time.  Her angry tirade as we drove away was truly frightening as she verbally lashed out at almost everyone possibly involved or that she even knew in her shame and frustration.  I think I may have to generate some milder forms of this situation to help her cope with these feelings before school begins this Fall, or even talk about the situation in calmer times to try and build some tools for her.  And it did demonstrate how seriously she takes her interests and activities she loves.
And a father who was basically NEVER on time for choir in the last 10 years clearly gets the child he deserves.  Character building for Daddy and Olivia.  And very musically talented - she sang great, had all the words down after 3 rehearsals and had great behavior in the pew during the service. 
I am grateful for this wonderful, emotional daughter I have.

A little backfill - March 2012

Just some postings of how Olivia looks this Spring, since I've been negligent updating.

Olivia in Winter

Some photos of this no-longer-little girl from this December. Some cooking - she made a Gingerbread Man and was very concerned about making sure he didn't hop out of the oven and run away, plus some really great Christmas cookies this year. Another in the "Mulan Costume" she asked Santa for this year. And another in her self-selected outfit for house cleaning. What a charmer.
She was really taken by the carol "Silent Night" this year. We got a great book about the history of the carol at the church library, and she can now tell you that it was written by Father Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber. Her pitch is still scattershot, but she sings with much emotion and fervor.

Little Horsey Ride

Documented at Caleb's Birthday party, November 5 2011.

Not old, not a cowhand, nowhere near the Rio Grande.

But certainly enjoying the company.

Thanks, Caleb!

Five Years Old

Now you are Five.
These years now have some meaning to you, as well as the party and recognition and happiness for you from everyone around. You revel in this.
This morning you were sure that you were taller than before, the bathroom sink now coming only up to your tummy instead of at your chest, and you saw more of your beautiful self in the mirror above it.
We see more of you too, every day.
You become more Yourself with every Question you now relish asking us, about The Great China Wall or Dinosaurs and Their Demise.
We revel in your Olivianess.
Even your brother and sister enjoy you more, and you them. You all played together on the porch and attic and bedroom numerous times over this weekend after your birthday, and they seem to take your "direction" for them with reasonable joy in the play and pleasing you. Henry imitates almost everything you say, and you don't notice yet but this will annoy you greatly in a few more years.
You had a party over the weekend with quite a few of your Apple Tree school friends, past and present, at the Iowa City Gymnest, and you all ran and bounced and yelled and laughed for quite a while, swallowed some cupcakes, then returned to the mats and tramps and foam block pit. You were more brave than I thought you might be, and I was very proud of you for having the fun you wanted to have and not being afraid of it. The party included both sets of grandparents and Aunt Margo and your cousins Spencer and Irelynn too. Your mother and I spoke to each other on Sunday evening, after all had left and you kids were asleep, about how happy we are that you have such regular contact and familiarity with so much of your extended family. This is very important to us and we are regularly thankful for all of their presence in your life.
When I asked you, you weren't sure what this coming year would hold, what you might learn or teach or do or practice. You were pretty sure you wouldn't be driving a real car and that you would be going to kindergarten, but this was as much as you would venture. I hope for at least both of these things for you too.
I love you very very much, my big/little LaLa.
Daddy